Avila's Pound For Pound List, November 2013

Popularity or sensational knockouts have no bearing on this list. If that’s your cup of tea, well, this list is not for you. Skill and intelligence are the basis for this list.

Imagine that everyone in this pound for pound category weighed the exact same. How would they fare against each other? That’s always the main underlining factor on my pound for pound list. Another major factor is if a fighter has captured world titles in different weight divisions. No better proof exists of a boxer’s skills and intelligence than winning in different weight divisions. Dominance in at least one weight division is also proof of excellence.

Here’s the list:

1. Floyd Mayweather (45-0, 26 Kos) – The big question now for Mayweather is who does he fight next? Rumors are swirling that next on Money’s hit list will be Amir Khan. Not many are enthusiastic about the fight though it would be interesting to see how Mayweather solves the speed question. The betting line would be even larger than it was with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez or Robert Guerrero. Though Mayweather’s speed has slowed just a tick, he has plenty left to deal with anyone in the welterweight division. Two welterweights that could bring big money to the table would be Manny Pacquiao or Tim Bradley. Pacquiao has been gunning for Mayweather for several years and would bring a healthy pay-per-view audience. Bradley’s speed and cunning would give Mayweather a challenge too, but both Pacman and Desert Storm are Top Rank fighters. Another negative factor is Mayweather does not care to share 50/50 or even 60/40 with any challenger especially a Top Rank fighter. The Cold War continues.

2. Tim Bradley (31-0, 12 Kos) – After cleaning out the junior welterweight division “Desert Storm” moved into the welterweight division and has done just fine. Defeating the great Juan Manuel Marquez was not an easy feat. Bradley used his speed and intelligence to out-maneuver the always clever Marquez over 12 rounds last October in Las Vegas. The large pro-Marquez crowd was stunned by Bradley’s performance against the man who knocked out Manny Pacquiao. Many expected Marquez to do the same against Bradley but it was the Palm Springs fighter who dropped Marquez in the final round. Speed is Bradley’s primary asset and there may not be another welterweight that can match him in that department. He’s also one of the smarter fighters in the fight game, except when he opted to go toe-to-toe with Ruslan Provodnikov. He gambled and barely survived that brutal war with the Russian tank. Bradley gutted out a win that night and he’s still standing. He just wins.

3. Andre Ward (27-0, 14 Kos) – A few weeks ago Ward dominated Edwin Rodriguez the same way he’s dominated every super middleweight in the past five years. It’s time for Ward to move into the light heavyweight division. Ward usually has a height advantage over every opponent he’s faced. It’s remarkable that he can still make the weight. But clearly, he’s beaten every single 168-pounder out there worth watching. So why stay at super middleweight? The big money will come when he moves into the danger zone. There are plenty of light heavyweights that could pose a danger and that’s when fans will be interested. Not many like to see easy wins over and over. Ward needs challenges to be interesting to the fight fan.

4. Sergio Martinez (51-2-2, 28 Kos) – The Argentine is gifted with speed, power, agility and intelligence. A match with Floyd Mayweather would make sense and give both fighters a huge payday if the fight could be made. Can it be made? Martinez has been racked with health problems and seems to be falling part. The slick southpaw doesn’t seem to have much time left as his 38-year-old body is failing him especially with his legs and fists. It makes sense for Mayweather to fight Martinez because it would allow him to possibly add the middleweight title to his resume and add a sixth weight division world title. Though the Argentine is not a household name, the fight fans know that it could be Mayweather’s most dangerous opponent and that could potentially bring pay-per-views. But it has to be done quickly before Martinez fizzles out.

5. Bernard Hopkins (54-6-2, 32 Kos) – Hopkins will be 49 years old this coming January. How much longer can he last? It’s really astounding. The Philadelphia warrior is one of the geniuses of the sport. Boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the ageing Hopkins seems to nullify danger with his ability to neutralize his opponent’s strengths and power. Two big potential matches would be a fight with Andre Ward who has dominated super middleweights the same way Hopkins once dominated the middleweights. Another big fight for Hopkins would be Canada’s Adonis Stevenson.

6. Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 Kos) – Losing to Tim Bradley by decision should not diminish his reputation as one of boxing’s most skilled prizefighters. Marquez, 40, is a former featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight world champion. He could easily have captured the welterweight title but Bradley beat him to it. Bradley also beat him to the punch when they met this past October. Speedy defensive fighters have always given Marquez problems and always will. But the Mexico City whiz still remains the sports premier counter-puncher.

7. Robert Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 Kos) – What’s next for “The Ghost?” After losing to the great Floyd Mayweather he was quickly dismissed by most of the media but looking back, the slender southpaw actually seemed to do better against Mayweather than Saul “Canelo” Alvarez did. Guerrero is looking for the big fight, not the gate-keeper variety. He’s a former featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight champion now fighting at welterweight. Guerrero went the distance with Mayweather. That’s not an easy feat. A fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Victor Ortiz or Tim Bradley would be great. Even a match with Manny Pacquiao would be a good thing, but would Pacman take the fight? The Ghost still remains viable and could be trouble for anyone who meets him in the ring. His contract is nearing the end with Golden Boy Promotions so it’s going to be interesting to see what transpires.

8. Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 Kos) – Asia’s greatest boxer in history returned to the boxing ring and showed that he still has tools to stay with the elite. By using his skills and speed against powerful Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios and maintaining focus, Pacman easily out-pointed the Oxnard-based boxer. It was a crucial win for the Filipino superstar and puts him back in the fold as a viable opponent for Floyd Mayweather. Of course the big question is whether Mayweather will fight Pacman? Probably not. But there are other matches for Pacman including several on this list. The power in his punches may be gone, but the speed remains and incredibly the stamina was evident against Rios. Potential fights remaining for Pacman would be Tim Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Robert Guerrero or Mayweather.

9. Roman Gonzalez (37-0, 31 Kos) – Nicaragua’s crazy bomber known as “Chocolatito” has invaded the flyweight division this year. After three flyweight fights Gonzalez won all three by knockout. He’s looking to add the flyweight world title to his shelf. He already won the junior flyweight world title but had trouble making the weight. Gonzalez, 26, is very strong and has a great chin. Plus, he has good boxing skills when necessary.

10. Danny Garcia (27-0, 16 Kos) – The young Philadelphia warrior had a good year in 2013. Garcia won the battle of the junior welterweight titans convincingly when he defeated Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse. It’s also easy to envision Garcia moving into the welterweight division soon. But the kid is only 25 so there’s no rush. Garcia can box or bang and that’s a good combination to possess.

11. Nonito Donaire (32-2, 21 Kos) – One thing is obvious the “Filipino Flash” can still bang. Nonito has that equalizer in both fists and proved it against the always exciting Vic Darchinyan. He’ll need that against Guillermo Rigondeaux should they meet in 2014. Because Donaire has a very unorthodox style, it’s the classic boxers that have the best chance to defeat him. Rigondeaux’s a fundamentally sound boxer with power and that’s the Achilles heel for Donaire. A rematch with the Cuban southpaw is a natural. Can Donaire solve the Rigondeaux puzzle? That’s going to be a great fight.

12. Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 51 Kos) – The Ukrainian heavyweight has not looked the same since his trainer Emanuel Steward passed away. His recent win over Alexander Povetkin was not a pretty fight to watch. How much more does Klitschko have remaining?

Honorable mention:

Mikey Garcia – The Moreno Valley based boxer added the junior lightweight world title to his resume. Impressive.

Guillermo Rigondeaux – Cuba’s slick southpaw is fun to watch. Can he beat Donaire again? Can he beat Mikey Garcia?

Gennady Golovkin – All “GGG” needs is a chance against a marquee fighter so that he can be truly assessed by the boxing world.

Abner Mares – It’s tough to be a featherweight. A big rematch looms for Mares against Jhonny Gonzalez in January.

Carl Froch – If not for Andre Ward the British super middleweight would probably be high on the list.

bradley lost to pac and the Russian rocky, then beat jmm.....no i dont count 3 corrupt judges scorecards, i count what actually happened, and what happened is that tim lost those two fights...

floyd
hopkins
ward
sergio martinez
GGG
pac

dino da vinci says:

There is going to come a day where Andre Ward assumes the first slot on this list whether or not Money is still active. But he won't be moving up from any further back than the second slot. I respect Bradley as we all do here, (with I guess the exception of Radam) but he's not the second best fighter in the world, although it wouldn't take all that long to getting around to penciling in his name.

I think Bradley should be closer to 6 or 7...
Sergio Martinez doesn't deserve to be on the list for getting a hometown decision against Murray. And nearly getting KO'd by Chavez.
Put Manny over Guerrero and find a way to shoe horn Wlad on the list for simply being on top for so long.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Roast ...you should have written yourself in. (If it weren't for the frequent trips to Milan)
My vote for ROTY goes to Amayseng Grimm Radam....honorable mention Shadow...Bernie.

All Consistent guys...regular contributors and guys with excellent observations. Many more of couse but its 3:am already.

the Roast says:

I think Bradley should be closer to 6 or 7...
Sergio Martinez doesn't deserve to be on the list for getting a hometown decision against Murray. And nearly getting KO'd by Chavez.
Put Manny over Guerrero and find a way to shoe horn Wlad on the list for simply being on top for so long.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Roast ...you should have written yourself in. (If it weren't for the frequent trips to Milan)
My vote for ROTY goes to Amayseng Grimm Radam....honorable mention Shadow...Bernie.

All Consistent guys...regular contributors and guys with excellent observations. Many more of couse but its 3:am already.

Maybe you are right about Sergio Sug, one fight in '13, maybe coasting off past glory. Nearly KOed by Jr., Serg dominated that fight until getting caught in the 12th. Bradley is off my list because of the poor showing vs Provodnikov and blind judging win over Pac. Yes he boxed very safely to a win over JMM but that was dull. No P4P to me. Wlad is off because of that jab and grab fight with Povetkin. Guerrero has been unactive since being schooled by Floyd. I never liked his style anyway.
Ameyseng should get the nod for ROTY. Carmine Cas would be my runner up outside the box pick.

BFF says:

TSS guys,
I been a follower of this website since 2009, and i really enjoy reading the articles, but i would have to admit at times some really suck but you hardcore followers make up for it with your great posts and i give props to both of The Roasts Says P4P lists. Im new to this posting thing but i would just like to introduce myself as BFF and I come as a big fan of the sweet science just like ya'll.

amayseng says:

welcome BFF,

Roast and B-sug you guys are phenomenal with both your lists and compliments, much appreciated.

My vote would go to B-sug for ROTY, there is never a time where he posts something that is not worth reading.

I do think Sergio is sliding due to physical deterioration. however, he boxed chavez's ears almost off of him until that last round. sergio boxed outside, inside, going backwards, forwards and laterally against a Much bigger and stronger, younger as well, Chavez Jr. that was impressive. of course his last fight was not up to par, although he is not finished yet and still remains on my list. just look at his resume.

even though JMM beat Pac, he was losing the fight for 6 rounds and getting busted up pretty bad despite two flooring shots. then he was beat pretty easily by Bradley. Who I believe lost to both Pac and Prod.

although I remain high on my dude GGG, he still lacks the resume to be above Floyd, Ward, Hopkins and Sergio.

@Roast, do you not see Hopkins on your list? just think about how much more he has to "give" to win

and remain champion at such an advance age. Hopkins is truly remarkable. I totally appreciate his craft

BFF says:

@ amayseng says
thanks for the welcome.
and i totally agree with Bhop being in the mix. i would have him on my list at #4 after Floyd,Ward,3G,Bhop,pacman

the back five for me would go something like this

maravilla
rigo
danny garcia
klitchko
bradly

but, that back five is very debatable and totally up for grabs at this point, the only reason wladimir is there is coz he has been on top for so long, and even though timmy won a gift title , he easily schooled JMM to knock jmm off my top ten..

spit bucket says:

Hello BFF, nice to have an international POV from Spain. Looking forward to your perspective on the sweet science...

Looks like I'm not the only one that is on to the Cali Big Foot/Cali Cranium Crusher. Ain't got nuffin' [sic], but mad luv for him. Some of the powers that be has jived-up crazy luv for him. Because is indeed the p4p greatest two-defeated undefeated king of pugilism of our time. Holla!

the Roast says:

I do respect Hopkins skills but P4P top 10? No way. B-Hop gets by at this stage with alot of smoke and mirrors. I can't see Bernard beating anyone in my top ten all things being equal size wise. All those guys would outwork and outhustle him. If B-Hop wasn't 48 doing his thing no one would care. It is amazing for a man his age to compete at the world class level but thats it. That last fight with that nobody was a glorified sparring session. When B-Hop decides to cash out and fight somebody like Kovalev or Stevenson or Ward or Froch he will take a beating and hang 'em up.

Schteeeve says:

Author of the Top Ten list is guilty of overreacting to a recent loss by Lucas Matthysse. The Argentine bomber belongs in this Top Ten list and at the very least deserves a spot among the honorably mentioned.

amayseng says:

I dont know Roast I can see Hopkins easily beating Froch, who's feet are slower than hopkins by far even at this age. Hopkins smoke and mirrors are a result of superior footwork and boxing iq. he truly slows down his opponents work rate, terribly slows it down. Though I understand your thinking.

spit bucket says:

@ SPIT BUCKET
thanks man.
i like your list, respectable!

Hey BFF... thank you

Carmine Cas says:

Say what?! Bradley at #2? No Andre Ward, is solidified best boxer in the world behind Mayweather. Yes Bradley beat Marquez and survived Provodnikov but he hasn't cleaned out 147 yet.

How is Donaire on this list while Rigo is off?

Guerrero a solid fighter that he is, is no longer as versatile as he once was at the lower weight divisions. He put on too much weight for 147 and now he's slow and more one dimensional like

I dont know Roast I can see Hopkins easily beating Froch, who's feet are slower than hopkins by far even at this age. Hopkins smoke and mirrors are a result of superior footwork and boxing iq. he truly slows down his opponents work rate, terribly slows it down. Though I understand your thinking.

I know you can't stand Froch A-Seng, thats why I threw him in there. I almost put him on my top ten list at number 10 just to mess with you. Then I saw the highlights from the Groves fight and I couldn't do it.

gibola says:

Here's mine - P4p at this moment - Dec 2013, who would beat who as of now, not what they've done in the last five/ten years. Not a 'which all-time-greats-are-still-active' list. Hence no Martinez, BHop, Wlad, JMM, etc.
1- PBF (say no more).
2 - Bradley (like it or not he beat Marquez and Pacquaio - he may drop soon but those two wins are better than anything on Ward's resume).
3 - Rigondeaux (beat a top5 p4p-er, has to be up there).
4 - Ward (horrible style, growing resume, no way is he the clear number 2 though!)
5 - D Garcia (keeps on winning fights he shouldn't against top guys in their primes).
6 - Pacquaio (top level opposition and good v rios)
7 - Stevenson (3 kayos over top guys, he wasn't on the list a year ago, he won't be in a year's time - but right now he's one of the top guys in the game).
8 - Donaire (loss to Rigo is less of a problem than the worrying weaknesses he showed in the Vic2 win).
9 - M Garcia (again, wins over top guys and the ease with which he's done it).
10 - Golovkin (needs better opposition to climb higher, but he has talent to get higher in this list).
PS - apologies to the oriental guys I don't know and anyone I've forgotten!!

gibola says:

Here's mine - P4p at this moment - Dec 2013, who would beat who as of now, not what they've done in the last five/ten years. Not a 'which all-time-greats-are-still-active' list. Hence no Martinez, BHop, Wlad, JMM, etc.
1- PBF (say no more).
2 - Bradley (like it or not he beat Marquez and Pacquaio - he may drop soon but those two wins are better than anything on Ward's resume).
3 - Rigondeaux (beat a top5 p4p-er, has to be up there).
4 - Ward (horrible style, growing resume, no way is he the clear number 2 though!)
5 - D Garcia (keeps on winning fights he shouldn't against top guys in their primes).
6 - Pacquaio (top level opposition and good v rios)
7 - Stevenson (3 kayos over top guys, he wasn't on the list a year ago, he won't be in a year's time - but right now he's one of the top guys in the game).
8 - Donaire (loss to Rigo is less of a problem than the worrying weaknesses he showed in the Vic2 win).
9 - M Garcia (again, wins over top guys and the ease with which he's done it).
10 - Golovkin (needs better opposition to climb higher, but he has talent to get higher in this list).
PS - apologies to the oriental guys I don't know and anyone I've forgotten!!

Radam G says:

Like it or not, Bradley got a jingoistic gift win over Da Manny. And in 2014, Bradley will fall. Marquez/Hulkquez is the only fighter giving him a call. Bradley's so terrible and pathetic that other than Marquez/Hulkquez, nobody is calling for his undefeated-two-losses head. Many more fighters, getting robbed against him, they likely dread.

To Bradley, great UPs! BLINDED, he has a lot of butts. And as time goes on, more excuses for him they moan and groan. Holla!

amayseng says:

I know you can't stand Froch A-Seng, thats why I threw him in there. I almost put him on my top ten list at number 10 just to mess with you. Then I saw the highlights from the Groves fight and I couldn't do it.

hahaha funny

i totally respect that... groves almost had him out of there in one.. that was a good fight